According to Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the programme, which started back in 2007 will be applicable to all models for customers who are planning to purchase the new seven seater MPV, the Exora. He said that customers are required to have their cars tested and certified if they are to be eligible to join the programme.
Previously, customers who have cars which had a minimum lifespan of 10 years but with the new ruling which will take immediate effect will cover all models. He said "All car models are eligible under the programme. Nevertheless, these cars must first be tested and certified by Puspakom Sdn Bhd to ensure that they are not illegally tampered with. Proton has received overwhelming response for the Xchange Programme and we hope that with the inclusion of the Exora, it will further stimulate the sales,"
Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, the chairman of national car maker Proton Holdings Berhad has called on the government to help automotive companies who invests heavily in R&D to export their products overseas by providing them with incentives as it will definitely push local car makers in the economic crisis as well as in staying competitive. This came in light of the proposal made by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister in calling for local car companies to re-strategize in order to remain competitive through the AFTA (Asean Free Trade Area).
Datuk Mohd Nadzmi said “Such incentives were needed to encourage local car manufacturers to stay competitive amid the global economic crisis. To remain competitive, automotive players must look beyond Malaysia's borders. To enter a new market is not easy as every country has some kind of protection for its local automotive industry,"
